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MRSA Information The recent events in Virginia and nation wide have raised public awareness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.  The Park Authority shares your concern and would like to reassure you that our staff is taking this situation seriously as the safety and well being of our members is of utmost importance. While Staph infections, including MRSA,can be transmitted through contact with environmental surfaces, such as equipment, benches, floors, etc., they are  most frequently transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact.  The first line of defense is to practice good hygiene; covering any open skin area such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage; avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors; using a barrier between your skin and shared equipment; and wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use. Although it is impossible to assure a totally bacteria free environment, the Park Authority has reviewed our practices.  The following infection control strategies are in place to decrease the spread of infection. Our custodial staff has participated in additional training to review procedure of how to properly clean, disinfect and sanitize our facilities. We have confirmed that the products we use to clean, disinfect, and sanitize the RECenter and equipment are EPA-registered broad spectrum microorganism-killing solution that are effective against staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA. We provide paper towels and spray bottles in the Fitness rooms that are filled with a disinfecting solution, and encourage members to wipe down surfaces and equipment before and after each use, and have posted signage to remind members of this practice. We assign staff to periodically inspect/clean equipment and surfaces in fitness and locker rooms throughout the day. We maintain the chemistry of our pools at a consistent level of disinfection that prevents the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Preschool classrooms follow RECenter custodial protocols. Additionally, The Park Authority Preschools have eliminated "Dress-Up" activities from their program. Hands are washed as children and teachers arrive each morning; before and after toileting; sneezing and eating. Rental equipment such as ice skates and elbow/knee pads are disinfected after each use with an EPA-registered broad spectrum microorganism-killing solution that are effective against staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA.   For additional information related to MRSA please visit these web sites: Virginia Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology Fairfax County Health Department Centers for Disease Control and Prevention